Leicester 2-0 Rennes: Albrighton and Iheanacho on the scoresheet
Leicester 2-0 Rennes: A terrific Marc Albrighton strike and a late Kelechi Iheanacho goal gives Brendan Rodgers’ side a two-goal advantage in Europa Conference League last-16
- Marc Albrighton scored the opening goal with a lovely finish in the first-half
- Leicester looked to be heading to France next week with just a goal advantage
- But Kelechi Iheanacho scored in stoppage-time to gives Foxes breathing space
- Brendan Rodgers’ side have a 2-0 lead in the Europa Conference League tie
Marc Albrighton revived memories of his Champions League heroics by scoring one and creating another to boost Leicester’s hopes of reaching another European quarter-final.
Five years after sending them into the last eight of Europe’s premier club competition with the decisive goal in the 2-0 win over Sevilla, Albrighton struck a beauty in the first half before setting up substitute Kelechi Iheanacho for the second in stoppage time.
That means Leicester will travel to Rennes next week in a strong position as they aim to progress from the last 16 of the Europa Conference League.
More to follow…
Marc Albrighton scored and set up another as Leicester beat Rennes 2-0 on Thursday night
Albrighton came on to the ball superbly to score in the first-half against the French outfit
Kelechi Iheanacho scored a vital second goal in stoppage-time with a composed finish
The goal gives Leicester breathing space in the Europa Conference League last-16 clash
Leicester rode their luck at times but claimed their fourth straight win as Harvey Barnes produced a thrilling display, creating the goal and causing Rennes numerous problems.
Rennes are fourth in Ligue 1 after winning four of their previous five matches and they began with purpose here.
Top scorer Gaetan Laborde volleyed wide early on as Rennes dominated the opening 20 minutes. From then, though, the home side started to recover, with Barnes leading the charge on the left.
With half an hour gone, the winger showed superb control and pace to collect Caglar Soyuncu’s lofted pass and burst clear of Rennes skipper Hamari Traore.
Leicester travel to France next week with a two-goal advantage as they eye the quarter-finals
Though his cut back eluded Patson Daka and Youri Tielemans, Albrighton ran on to it and thumped into the roof of the net from 20 yards – a goal warthy of the greatest stages.
Barnes was tormenting Hamari during this period, Leicester’s best of the half.
Yet in first-half stoppage time, Rennes gave their hosts another warning when midfielder Jonas Martin fired over from 15 yards.
Brendan Rodgers will have been delighted with the end-result at the King Power Stadium
Early in the second half, Leicester had a let-off when the visitors were convinced Laborde’s close-range effort from Benjamin Bourigeaud’s free-kick had been blocked by a hand.
And later, Kasper Schmeichel made a crucial stop from Martin Terrier while substitute Flavien Tait shot just wide.
That proved vital in added time when Albrighton found Iheanacho just inside the box and the Nigerian showed great calmness to guide in number two.
MATCH FACTS AND RATINGS
Leicester (4-3-3): Schmeichel 6; Justin 6 (Choudhury 63, 6), Amartey 6.5, Soyuncu 6, Thomas 6; Tielemans 6.5, Ndidi 6.5, Dewsbury-Hall 7.5 (Maddison 79); Albrighton 7.5, Daka 6 (Iheanacho 63, 6), Barnes 8 (Lookman 79).
Subs not used: Jakupovic, Odunze, Perez, Vestergaard, Soumare.
Goals: Albrighton 30
Booked: None
Manager: Brendan Rodgers 7
Rennes (4-4-2): Gomis 6; Traore 5, Omari 6, Aguerd 6, Truffert 7 (Meling 77); Bourigeaud 6.5, Santamaria 6.5, Martin 6 (Majer 65, 6.5), Doku 6.5 (Tait 65, 6); Laborde 6.5 (Guirassy 77), Terrier 7.
Subs not used: Bonet, Alemdar, Tchaouna, Diouf, Assignon, Tel, Belocian, Doue.
Scorers: None
Booked: Traore
Manager: Bruno Genesio 6.5
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